Carpet Cleaning Basics

According to a study conducted by the Carpet and Rug Institute, carpet makes up 51% of the U.S. flooring market, and for good reason. The benefits of carpets are endless, leaving little question why carpet is the flooring of choice for many homeowners.

While the feel and appearance of carpet make it an obvious choice, carpet has also been shown to act as a quality insulator as well as a common solution to those worried about slip-and-fall incidents.

For those that do have carpet, they may be concerned over how to properly care for their carpets. From when to vacuum to when to get them washed, we have the answers.


Regular Maintenance

For those looking to maximize the life of their carpets, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential. On top of having the proper tools, such as a quality vacuum and a professional stain remover, keeping a maintenance routine is important.

• Vacuum on schedule

While your carpets may look clean, often dirt can settle into your carpet and be difficult to see in the average glance. Regularly vacuuming is crucial when trying to maintain the life and appearance of your carpet.

Determining how often your carpets need to be vacuumed can depend on a lot of factors. Homes with multiple occupants or pets tend to need more upkeep than single dwelling homes. In general, experts recommend a thorough vacuum weekly and a spot vacuum of your high traffic areas at least 2-3 times a week.

• Spot clean when needed

Having a quality carpet stain remover on hand is a secret to a healthy carper. When a stain or spill occurs, it's important to treat it immediately.

Start by dabbing with an absorbent material as soon as possible and following with a stain remover as needed. Be cautious to always read and follow the label on any product you use on your carpets, and always spot test in a hidden area before trying to treat stains.

• Schedule a Professional cleaning

Arguably the most neglected part of carpet ownership, having your carpets cleaned by a professional, and cleaned regularly, is important. A qualified professional will be able to extend the life of your carpets as well as improve the appearance.


Benefits of a Professional Carpet Cleaning

Most carpet manufacturers recommend having your carpets professionally cleaned annually. While having your carpets professionally cleaned will give you some peace of mind, there are a variety of other reasons it's recommended that you have a professional carpet cleaner treat your home.

• Improve the health of your family

Carpets are infamous for acting like sponges, holding in allergens and bacteria that can be harmful to you and your family. For those with children or anyone susceptible to breathing problems such as asthma, carpet cleaning can be an important step towards a healthier and safer home.

While the regular vacuuming mentioned above can certainly help control the problem, having your carpets cleaned will do a thorough job of removing the dangerous dirt, bacteria, and dust mites.

• Higher air quality for your home

Although counterintuitive to some, a clean carpet often leads to an improve airflow. Carpets that have been weighed down with dirt and debris often result in a compromised airflow, leading to your home feeling stuffy.

When your carpets are professionally cleaned and the dirt and debris are removed entirely, many notice that the air quality in their home will noticeably improve.

• Maintain the look of your carpets

Finally, a professional cleaning will improve the way your carpets look and feel. For many, they find their carpets look good as new with a proper clean.

Carpets tend to get worn down by dirt and dust, leading to a flat and uncomfortable carpet. After a professional cleaning, you'll find your carpets will be softer for a significant length of time.


Choosing a Carpet Cleaner

While the do-it-yourself machines may be tempting, it's recommended that you choose a reliable carpet cleaner when completing your annual cleaning.

It's important to choose a cleaner you're comfortable with, as the cleaners will be in your home for a lengthy period of time, depending on the amount of carpet in your home. Choosing a recommended, bondable, and established company is highly recommended.